My Favorite Holiday Dinner Menu | Crab Cakes, Beef Tenderloin, Truffled Mashed Potatoes & Cabernet Mushrooms

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIpkTwt6fTqIo8-mzgYrwqOw8gXXdLBIqO19B1rJjZMlOVvlcTKnvzVCZE2c6vJxx4vs7u_x6Kap1nGuuW0NFgcCFPTuM8vEUY43sjQaobSK9OWIr5y5a3LEYNfLvHhTnc29crP0Zg8TX/s1600/Crab+Cakes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIpkTwt6fTqIo8-mzgYrwqOw8gXXdLBIqO19B1rJjZMlOVvlcTKnvzVCZE2c6vJxx4vs7u_x6Kap1nGuuW0NFgcCFPTuM8vEUY43sjQaobSK9OWIr5y5a3LEYNfLvHhTnc29crP0Zg8TX/s1600/Crab+Cakes+2.jpg" width="320" /></a>My Favorite Holiday Menu<br /><br />Four years ago, I would have been in full catering mode - sometimes I miss spending nights at really festive, warm homes, but I don't miss schlepping food around town and my car always smelling a bit like crab cakes and blue cheese : )<br /><br />At this point, I would have roasted 20 Beef Tenderloins, and formed 200 Crab Cakes and served a hundred Chocolate Molten Cakes.    I found that I always recommended pretty much the same menu for every holiday party I catered - it always got such rave reviews, and many of my clients requested the same menu year after year because they loved it so much.  The good part for me was that I could prepare this menu in my sleep.  I did it so often that I came up with great shortcuts, and methods for making almost everything in advance... because that's what I had to do when I had back to back holiday parties for 3 weeks straight.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Here it is my "go-to" favorite holiday menu - I never tire of it.  It is special, festive and a treat of a meal.  It can be fancy, or served family style for a more laid back group.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Appetizers</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Prosecco</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/07/crab-cakes-with-panko-bread-crumbs-red.html">Petite Crab Cakes</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/05/how-to-build-beautiful-bountiful-cheese.html">Cheese Board</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Soup</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/lobster-bisque-easy-creamy-seafood.html">Lobster Bisque</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Dinner</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/12/slow-roasted-beef-tenderloin-holiday.html">Slow-Roasted Beef Tenderloin</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/blue-cheese-sauce-for-beef-tenderloin.html">Blue Cheese Cream Sauce</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/02/slow-simmered-cabernet-thyme-mushroooms.html">Cabernet & Thyme Mushrooms</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/03/roasted-colorful-carrots.html">Roasted Rainbow Carrots</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/12/truffled-mashed-potatoes-ultimate.html">Truffled Mashed Potatoes</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Dessert</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/04/chocolate-molten-cakes-in-cupcake-pan.html">Molten Cakes with Whipped Cream & Berries</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmW92wESf0SrYueZ698H2MHPG_Hyusqf_Hlqk4-UUSLJVqkwnpzJfA5xUWp0qyibDmm2gNKuqpBBV1T4TrlmvWIiaagqc4H_WHyrm4pEGuoT8lDV_RxQh46r19oLEqqaY8GBsnlHrzbNT/s1600/IMG_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmW92wESf0SrYueZ698H2MHPG_Hyusqf_Hlqk4-UUSLJVqkwnpzJfA5xUWp0qyibDmm2gNKuqpBBV1T4TrlmvWIiaagqc4H_WHyrm4pEGuoT8lDV_RxQh46r19oLEqqaY8GBsnlHrzbNT/s1600/IMG_0545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/05/how-to-build-beautiful-bountiful-cheese.html">Cheese Board</a></div><div><br /></div><div>While I like to serve the Crab Cakes passed, warm from the oven, I like to have something that everyone can graze on and gather around - isn't that what the Holidays are all about?!  Then, whenever I bring the crab cakes around everyone oohs and ahhs.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBUzn51ys-37wiYA6bzw4vufe00upxPDRnW5wYDMtKf8SfxlYBp9qnvya1hQlVxW8asBJl7vnnbFEkdOhB28PzFmZwEuEwEYVGmOZwhu9tHtAwpWdvhZcGP4w_1wjQ-KbnmzjFIIrsIpG/s1600/lobster-bisque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBUzn51ys-37wiYA6bzw4vufe00upxPDRnW5wYDMtKf8SfxlYBp9qnvya1hQlVxW8asBJl7vnnbFEkdOhB28PzFmZwEuEwEYVGmOZwhu9tHtAwpWdvhZcGP4w_1wjQ-KbnmzjFIIrsIpG/s1600/lobster-bisque.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div>Lobster Bisque</div><div><br /></div><div>A soup course isn't necessary, but really makes the meal so special.   It is so creamy and luxurious - your family will love it and feel so treated!  It is easy to make ahead of time and you can use a combination of shrimp and lobster, to stretch it.  </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajukjhTT1PIyfzYHLaeQYHRk0zBRmqKUMbSsKpTopqeOTrIFai_cStjsF73z6lpPUQvHMTSLuA4F3-kmVnJL7k5ppu1718-GWQR5LrnORjw3ZeQOCICPlGBeF460QXfPh97fZIoX7BAtF/s1600/IMG_6612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajukjhTT1PIyfzYHLaeQYHRk0zBRmqKUMbSsKpTopqeOTrIFai_cStjsF73z6lpPUQvHMTSLuA4F3-kmVnJL7k5ppu1718-GWQR5LrnORjw3ZeQOCICPlGBeF460QXfPh97fZIoX7BAtF/s1600/IMG_6612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHG16btlLEzltnxBdZHHiwFpTutPiYyeZZW4rSfmWBOCu3WvVTQHPhtkIVYYEaHElx97gUrwloYdU77PL-rtXlaL5a9NmGlR3XAJL5-lUr7DT4tvSpkKOVWvqmxmz0eioANnHqRJHBk0L4/s1600/mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHG16btlLEzltnxBdZHHiwFpTutPiYyeZZW4rSfmWBOCu3WvVTQHPhtkIVYYEaHElx97gUrwloYdU77PL-rtXlaL5a9NmGlR3XAJL5-lUr7DT4tvSpkKOVWvqmxmz0eioANnHqRJHBk0L4/s1600/mushrooms.jpg" width="425" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHG16btlLEzltnxBdZHHiwFpTutPiYyeZZW4rSfmWBOCu3WvVTQHPhtkIVYYEaHElx97gUrwloYdU77PL-rtXlaL5a9NmGlR3XAJL5-lUr7DT4tvSpkKOVWvqmxmz0eioANnHqRJHBk0L4/s1600/mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHG16btlLEzltnxBdZHHiwFpTutPiYyeZZW4rSfmWBOCu3WvVTQHPhtkIVYYEaHElx97gUrwloYdU77PL-rtXlaL5a9NmGlR3XAJL5-lUr7DT4tvSpkKOVWvqmxmz0eioANnHqRJHBk0L4/s1600/mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/12/slow-roasted-beef-tenderloin-holiday.html">Slow Roasted Beef Tenderloin</a><br /><br />I talk at length about how much I love slow roasting beef tenderloin.  Do not be scared by it - it is sooo easy to do.  It can seem expensive, but you don't have too splurge on too much else for this dinner so it can be the star.<br /><br />You can serve it with this <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/blue-cheese-sauce-for-beef-tenderloin.html" style="text-align: center;">Blue Cheese Cream Sauce</a> or a classic Horseradish. <br /><br />Slow-Simmered <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/02/slow-simmered-cabernet-thyme-mushroooms.html" style="text-align: center;">Cabernet & Thyme Mushrooms</a><br /><br />This is a new dish to my repertoire, but I would've loved serving this to my clients.  I would've made a huge batch, then used them all week long for each party.  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw8lt1ZDZN-FvEsC0E7Moodc9xzKHjKHIcsOFJ3aM-lIib27kuzy7Zc-zTxXzz9gTTOKq62FYbxtaGsG_a6a80UsKrUd1rwNVpFDTNWDmwkmSB8M70JmFtlgiSrmDTw1CcxBk-sdg-oLA/s1600/IMG_6613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHw8lt1ZDZN-FvEsC0E7Moodc9xzKHjKHIcsOFJ3aM-lIib27kuzy7Zc-zTxXzz9gTTOKq62FYbxtaGsG_a6a80UsKrUd1rwNVpFDTNWDmwkmSB8M70JmFtlgiSrmDTw1CcxBk-sdg-oLA/s1600/IMG_6613.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoWjIBa_FJJpRRhqGoYnbxuwCotQ001K4esTebI0cgVGzfdFgN2EwrvL7pb2Nc1fwXsThNOAXoEhcOnePU0ytUlfL6Kst0Wd6jpng1TkpvP-EcAfWoYRSZOuI_1mW0cUYeiSH6dnESjgv/s1600/IMG_8997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoWjIBa_FJJpRRhqGoYnbxuwCotQ001K4esTebI0cgVGzfdFgN2EwrvL7pb2Nc1fwXsThNOAXoEhcOnePU0ytUlfL6Kst0Wd6jpng1TkpvP-EcAfWoYRSZOuI_1mW0cUYeiSH6dnESjgv/s1600/IMG_8997.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2014/03/roasted-colorful-carrots.html">Roasted Carrots</a><br /><br />Carrots are my favorite way to add brightness to a meal.  They are easy and roast right along with the beef.<br /><br /><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/12/truffled-mashed-potatoes-ultimate.html" style="text-align: center;">Truffled Mashed Potatoes</a><br /><div><br /></div>I don't think I need to even say anything about these - right?  Such a treat!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIr493y_lJgdGhlHgEMn0epD7j6dUnRvZV8F_zk1DWeqihX1uwhpf7JedywicvBx9p9dQKu4qyWkicUGUiIzLNRnESFEx-LD902FZ_awylFMO9muzIiOUgi4khQs0qejXwhY09vaLOG4m6/s1600/Chocolate+Molten+Cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIr493y_lJgdGhlHgEMn0epD7j6dUnRvZV8F_zk1DWeqihX1uwhpf7JedywicvBx9p9dQKu4qyWkicUGUiIzLNRnESFEx-LD902FZ_awylFMO9muzIiOUgi4khQs0qejXwhY09vaLOG4m6/s1600/Chocolate+Molten+Cakes.jpg" width="494" /></a><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/04/chocolate-molten-cakes-in-cupcake-pan.html">Chocolate Molten Cakes</a><br /><br />I have a little something special in store for these Chocolate Molten Cakes.  I'll be using the same recipe, but have found some great individual paper souffle cups to make them in.  I'm experimenting with them tomorrow morning, so I'll let you know how it goes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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My Favorite Holiday Dinner Menu | Crab Cakes, Beef Tenderloin, Truffled Mashed Potatoes & Cabernet Mushrooms

My Favorite Holiday Menu Four years ago, I would have been in full catering mode - sometimes I miss spending nights at really festive, warm ...

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Christmas Cookies | Sugar Cookies

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iothzAN2Al7KsC13vO1syRj7BD6M-4NsjM2nJlOLUvApYrTRJAlBDIKijYAUoQI3mt0Vxc4BPDfkAula2ImSI_MtqfDSzhJ9vkq4m1KNAC0MZGnosWkyu_srY2pqvNpi2dFWMkQTy3s/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iothzAN2Al7KsC13vO1syRj7BD6M-4NsjM2nJlOLUvApYrTRJAlBDIKijYAUoQI3mt0Vxc4BPDfkAula2ImSI_MtqfDSzhJ9vkq4m1KNAC0MZGnosWkyu_srY2pqvNpi2dFWMkQTy3s/s640/IMG_0078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As I'm preparing for my Holiday Christmas Cookie Brunch Workshop next week, I'd thought I'd share my tried and true, favorite recipe.  This is the same recipe my mom used when my sister and I were growing up, decorating sugar cookies for each and every holiday.  The dough is incredible to snack on!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zA30SI2RvdejNUUuOALxPNJ8kgIBVPZQyg2h_-MTv0m24H86bnizzpqKY-_Kq5ocGKJSgBX9iNFcucLnnX11OKz8LCBU9-YFbCuzf1IS0zWuqtnZsOqAArJAymgBK9pFTteqhyDPNTs/s1600/best-sugar-cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zA30SI2RvdejNUUuOALxPNJ8kgIBVPZQyg2h_-MTv0m24H86bnizzpqKY-_Kq5ocGKJSgBX9iNFcucLnnX11OKz8LCBU9-YFbCuzf1IS0zWuqtnZsOqAArJAymgBK9pFTteqhyDPNTs/s640/best-sugar-cookies.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><i>Jenny's </i><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Deluxe Sugar Cookies</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F12%2Fchristmas-cookies-sugar-cookies-from.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-6_opsFUx90c%2FUMEeYW5wxCI%2FAAAAAAAAOwg%2FBiRO0IOYqJs%2Fs640%2Fbest-sugar-cookies.jpg&description=The%20BEST%20Sugar%20Cookie%20Recipe...%20uses%20powdered%20sugar%21%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F12%2Fchristmas-cookies-sugar-cookies-from.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a> <span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Sugar Cookie Recipe</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">2 sticks of butter<br />1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar<br />2 1/2 cups of flour<br />1 tsp of vanilla<br />1 tsp of cream of tarter<br />1 tsp of baking soda<br />1 egg<br /><br />In your Kitchen Aid fitted with the paddle attachment, whip together butter and powdered sugar.  Add Flour, vanilla, cream of tarter, soda, and egg.  On slow, stir together ingredients just until combined.  Turn the dough out onto a floured board and wrap it with plastic wrap.  Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.  </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFsrKwQqaKZ56h5CxdQjONMgH-KmvfQearQVN1FBnfnpht_pYSnV7YEjC1fQL_kgC2h_vOQdHSLTKQbrJAtoDtkoTpvTar2HLFrCap_9H7RSFRrXKPViBy3QVkAGueMqTS2RPsiquID4R/s1600/IMG_3602.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFsrKwQqaKZ56h5CxdQjONMgH-KmvfQearQVN1FBnfnpht_pYSnV7YEjC1fQL_kgC2h_vOQdHSLTKQbrJAtoDtkoTpvTar2HLFrCap_9H7RSFRrXKPViBy3QVkAGueMqTS2RPsiquID4R/s320/IMG_3602.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Unwrap the dough and put it on a floured board.  Be sure to flour the rollin pin, as well. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJFrXmG796mBxK-vPNTtOP2HWqtZoGJFvs3xvQ6Q92XEoHme7AUReKSNrSCbWrP8KFTd9jB3k-WE-6F25JEeEBPtyKu8sBI9EvW3COSFqIFRywxYoI7u97dlj2sow8R3QuBOLBZNKRKkf/s1600/IMG_3625.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJFrXmG796mBxK-vPNTtOP2HWqtZoGJFvs3xvQ6Q92XEoHme7AUReKSNrSCbWrP8KFTd9jB3k-WE-6F25JEeEBPtyKu8sBI9EvW3COSFqIFRywxYoI7u97dlj2sow8R3QuBOLBZNKRKkf/s320/IMG_3625.JPG" width="320" /></span></span></span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Roll out dough until 1/4 inch thick. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnQicV69yJhKR30gFsNXn87XnISYemtYNZK7IQNduD0JH77T7Fm0fEQWIVuzGOfXhLEigiwoKZzE_tz-8CO3bXxJXHZLZnf8YTEV6jN8KuSTW2XOmJPwbdDW4HFnZVUwQPZ32H9wgOBC1/s1600/IMG_3638.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnQicV69yJhKR30gFsNXn87XnISYemtYNZK7IQNduD0JH77T7Fm0fEQWIVuzGOfXhLEigiwoKZzE_tz-8CO3bXxJXHZLZnf8YTEV6jN8KuSTW2XOmJPwbdDW4HFnZVUwQPZ32H9wgOBC1/s320/IMG_3638.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Cut shapes.   Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet.  </span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Bake for 6-8 minutes at 350 degrees just until the edges begin to turn brown - baking time will depend on size and thickness of the cookie.  </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XnGGlHhWFMAN6FBGGIEwZEUgYQmRGYf4SB9yv162Qu1H_qM1SdC8zeFpFQnd7NiX7GLgl02NEZy1gWyXlGfJ-wzHHrhMDOBH47zAquCH3tnsHiIn_VdLva8Re6V9cf0YTRKSHeqBhwiE/s1600/IMG_3683.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XnGGlHhWFMAN6FBGGIEwZEUgYQmRGYf4SB9yv162Qu1H_qM1SdC8zeFpFQnd7NiX7GLgl02NEZy1gWyXlGfJ-wzHHrhMDOBH47zAquCH3tnsHiIn_VdLva8Re6V9cf0YTRKSHeqBhwiE/s320/IMG_3683.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;">Utilize scraps of dough by making them into a ball and re-rolling them and cutting shapes. </span></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4omEPNoCsn2LyKT1ta5TF3aLiD6m6SC4s2kt81McaoZfSEkiVNmUoo0mSDxm1vV76KGtpiiY1QhCFNTDp_oEPR_-CbZLDoKWMPoWNyjTwrttg7vT-5gzZJgPQ-jiCwlvGTSktW72Jfc/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4omEPNoCsn2LyKT1ta5TF3aLiD6m6SC4s2kt81McaoZfSEkiVNmUoo0mSDxm1vV76KGtpiiY1QhCFNTDp_oEPR_-CbZLDoKWMPoWNyjTwrttg7vT-5gzZJgPQ-jiCwlvGTSktW72Jfc/s640/IMG_0068.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Royal Icing</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px;">3 egg whites<br />4 cups of powdered sugar<br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px;">In the Kitchen Aid fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until almost frothy.  Add in the powdered sugar and whisk on slow until smooth.  You may need to add more or less powdered sugar or water to achieve desired thickness.  For sugar cookies, you want the icing to be thin enough that it will fall back on itself and smooth itself out, but not too thin so it will run off of the cookie.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Good colors are so important to making professional looking sugar cookies.  Here are my tips :</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Red : When making red you need to use a lot of food coloring.  I also add orange to the red to make it less pink.  Add just a touch of green to the red to make it less electric.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Green : I add a little bit of yellow and orange to green to make it more of a natural green.  For christmas, I like to use two shades of green - light and dark. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Blue : I add a little bit of yellow and orange to blue to make it softer.  It is a more sophisticated looking blue. </span></span></div><br /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Christmas Cookies | Sugar Cookies

As I'm preparing for my Holiday Christmas Cookie Brunch Workshop next week, I'd thought I'd share my tried and true, favorite re...

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Packaging Baked Goods in Your Kitchen - Creative & Resourceful Ideas

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0iya2D9wVoPHbejh2dvuLu3RbJAz-P2BwO9tilnBHrQGe-tPNHfs0R52X5bAw106A6tatF2Xl8yvp8L8iuyWZSUHMW1OXjPIXL2zpX1y_4VmY5uGTKci0vHd_GvD9-n6usdyhIRwKyIm/s1600/IMG_5872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0iya2D9wVoPHbejh2dvuLu3RbJAz-P2BwO9tilnBHrQGe-tPNHfs0R52X5bAw106A6tatF2Xl8yvp8L8iuyWZSUHMW1OXjPIXL2zpX1y_4VmY5uGTKci0vHd_GvD9-n6usdyhIRwKyIm/s640/IMG_5872.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />When I owned a catering company, I learned that it, indeed, is “all about presentation,” as they say.  I’ll never understand how someone can spend so much time and effort into making a delicious and beautiful treat, then put it into a plastic tupperware box or put it on a paper plate wrapped in plastic wrap.  Drives me crazy... I realize that most people do not have all the time in the world to dream up how to package their cookies.  Yes, I know there are more important things.  Buuuut, it is so easy with just a little effort. <br /><br />Take a cue from you favorite retail boutiques, do they put your purchases in a plastic grocery stack?  No, they wrap your items lovingly in tissue sealed with a branded sticker and then into a color coordinated gift bag.  Packaging your kitchen goodies nicely might even make them taste better... if that is possible.<br /><br />Now, you can find all of this packaging supplies in my online store : <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">Everyday Occasions</a> - enjoy! <br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"> Kitchen Packaging Supplies</span></i><br />    <br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">Cellophane Bags (buy here)</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">2.5" circle labels</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">Small Rectangle Labels</a><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">Parchment paper</a><br />Bakers twine<br />Scissors<br />Various Ribbons & Colorful Twine<br /><br />Here are some of the examples of how I have used these materials throughout the year :<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviITX5ZT69w61CNf45cPGZe5Og9frkruGf0qElSyfdwQblzgq4Ac3LWZh7_CKrlwbmt7cs8GIeuSQ2_voA6fyliG3ar5ZG9dj8yC0eNGu7-B4AK9Bfnb1mI7sAFiFQpOee27CJiF8VrkF/s1600/IMG_5525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviITX5ZT69w61CNf45cPGZe5Og9frkruGf0qElSyfdwQblzgq4Ac3LWZh7_CKrlwbmt7cs8GIeuSQ2_voA6fyliG3ar5ZG9dj8yC0eNGu7-B4AK9Bfnb1mI7sAFiFQpOee27CJiF8VrkF/s640/IMG_5525.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/best-homemade-biscuits-so-so-simple.html" target="_blank"> The BEST Buttermilk Biscuits & Homemade Blackberry Preserves</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUWXaGmN-UuOXZDos_m4i-ZJoE4YFro-QAkXJ0jnrk1qneF03Bi6joEG3C4DtB8NUq0aEJjkxG60VMg7qh3tJkv7TBPcaNnXHECHOOVFTWV3PWT2iTB4P7o3ya6MRerEuMUcNpbKjxAdt/s1600/IMG_1980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUWXaGmN-UuOXZDos_m4i-ZJoE4YFro-QAkXJ0jnrk1qneF03Bi6joEG3C4DtB8NUq0aEJjkxG60VMg7qh3tJkv7TBPcaNnXHECHOOVFTWV3PWT2iTB4P7o3ya6MRerEuMUcNpbKjxAdt/s640/IMG_1980.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/valentines-day-sugar-cookies-heart.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies in bags with twine tie </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBa3H0ZN7kZTCo_vX5CB4_LutTG41aAWKGPp3bwx13d5qc0yWKbqR8MIDLLY2-3F0n91JbU_tyuXDFw9Rcg8Fj8iH-fL1K5CLU0xmdh8CZBOoSXlAhbrNzaRCLHvJuI9ohMfzHZZ1pZaXK/s1600/IMG_1976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBa3H0ZN7kZTCo_vX5CB4_LutTG41aAWKGPp3bwx13d5qc0yWKbqR8MIDLLY2-3F0n91JbU_tyuXDFw9Rcg8Fj8iH-fL1K5CLU0xmdh8CZBOoSXlAhbrNzaRCLHvJuI9ohMfzHZZ1pZaXK/s640/IMG_1976.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/be-mine-free-printable-tags-for.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Day Sugar Cookies with Foldover Card  </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswZK51NTuQvSBuuIZfka3vAnBWj3pMwqAh29DYgrR_Gm5JNh0sQnkDIuhS2k_XEr6yV6m9GzQFRNsNWakPle8u444_grYam4en66C-PBSvdLDDPoenNT50XO7B2BYWSIfPEs6FYGo8HFJ/s1600/IMG_5860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgswZK51NTuQvSBuuIZfka3vAnBWj3pMwqAh29DYgrR_Gm5JNh0sQnkDIuhS2k_XEr6yV6m9GzQFRNsNWakPle8u444_grYam4en66C-PBSvdLDDPoenNT50XO7B2BYWSIfPEs6FYGo8HFJ/s640/IMG_5860.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/banana-nut-bread-with-whipped-honey.html" target="_blank">Banana Bread packaged in parchment tied with twine </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYy9SzWZuV7XAEAUDaPEPrF9YkCj98vCSTMfZu115tKx23poPedg2mbPt4Ot0ENB9yXXbBcldWseX6WNwwwFHIHSXQWBnwiPwYpQ1tJCO7U5oMYqQ47g7ekms3wIG8ubvgDw_610QuwS5/s1600/IMG_5868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYy9SzWZuV7XAEAUDaPEPrF9YkCj98vCSTMfZu115tKx23poPedg2mbPt4Ot0ENB9yXXbBcldWseX6WNwwwFHIHSXQWBnwiPwYpQ1tJCO7U5oMYqQ47g7ekms3wIG8ubvgDw_610QuwS5/s640/IMG_5868.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">oohh... look what's inside!  (recipe <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/banana-nut-bread-with-whipped-honey.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGEM9K0_euLa2Qf9S6bkEW1RXbhYmaaYJES4vdYyfLpkjDDQua0wuYjFbfvMOXoRwxObf1k4PuhLV8US7A5fSGGUidc_NeXAK443i68pCDpZC6ZlK1OLOo6sZDUBOyAOMuGqfcLpmVdEv/s1600/IMG_2022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGEM9K0_euLa2Qf9S6bkEW1RXbhYmaaYJES4vdYyfLpkjDDQua0wuYjFbfvMOXoRwxObf1k4PuhLV8US7A5fSGGUidc_NeXAK443i68pCDpZC6ZlK1OLOo6sZDUBOyAOMuGqfcLpmVdEv/s640/IMG_2022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/black-what-cookies-for-lucky-magazine.html" target="_blank">Black and White Cookies with Large Circle Labels, Ribbon & Cello Bags </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AtlCrj29y06d7OyHL-HQi0O1zFNYOicJ_N2bXTfOA2RsCbOn3WHnF-ZloEceKbwAJ1blextXt0GDLLDGV56hfe9DNbOrO_RH35tBp1PWHWFfJ4qksguNsWV0s7p48n4RGR06Hbbfq21W/s1600/IMG_2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AtlCrj29y06d7OyHL-HQi0O1zFNYOicJ_N2bXTfOA2RsCbOn3WHnF-ZloEceKbwAJ1blextXt0GDLLDGV56hfe9DNbOrO_RH35tBp1PWHWFfJ4qksguNsWV0s7p48n4RGR06Hbbfq21W/s640/IMG_2025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/06/black-what-cookies-for-lucky-magazine.html" target="_blank">Black and White Cookies with Large Circle Labels, Ribbon & Cello Bags  </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Rvo2qg4aXd2MYMhZUekGnY5Az5bvnReC_TYJmuMoAO1QwMCHfb_sVgoAlDRPNe4o99FV6X-3Ob8Ufwwy0VZg3cIw0xJsdNaEniCWtxvKAYh3qG8KiOADQu18ocYQWOGuo-bmOxEMt9fP/s1600/IMG_8325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Rvo2qg4aXd2MYMhZUekGnY5Az5bvnReC_TYJmuMoAO1QwMCHfb_sVgoAlDRPNe4o99FV6X-3Ob8Ufwwy0VZg3cIw0xJsdNaEniCWtxvKAYh3qG8KiOADQu18ocYQWOGuo-bmOxEMt9fP/s640/IMG_8325.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/boxed-cookies-packaging-cookies.html" target="_blank">Mini Chocolate and Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies in Cello Bags with Foldover Card  </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGow70-cHZ71elX_rHCSh575edzkGU7F7v_hKYhtfrcfMBQyzuOFnOJvpceTwkyeRGDIp56ApUcPZUSMfiUwVCGoISK339DsSYwvXsC0-qwoIFfF8CnrXdGXJOGabmXgt25w22-McZl_g/s1600/IMG_8329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGow70-cHZ71elX_rHCSh575edzkGU7F7v_hKYhtfrcfMBQyzuOFnOJvpceTwkyeRGDIp56ApUcPZUSMfiUwVCGoISK339DsSYwvXsC0-qwoIFfF8CnrXdGXJOGabmXgt25w22-McZl_g/s640/IMG_8329.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/boxed-cookies-packaging-cookies.html" target="_blank">Mini Chocolate and Salted Caramel Sandwich Cookies in Cello Bags with Foldover Card</a> packaged in a mailer box with parchment paper, then tied with natural twine.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtJZg6h9pbK3jGjOXbI380JgsgpbDqk54hGtCJxQlSiVZJkt21Yo-6Cjh9n0A1bupxEmFHFlVK-7beBg4GleBM7owja_L6oH3xKYg4QKc2vTlAOa-og1YMe382-aCpAMt8XbuZbO1VPXu/s1600/IMG_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtJZg6h9pbK3jGjOXbI380JgsgpbDqk54hGtCJxQlSiVZJkt21Yo-6Cjh9n0A1bupxEmFHFlVK-7beBg4GleBM7owja_L6oH3xKYg4QKc2vTlAOa-og1YMe382-aCpAMt8XbuZbO1VPXu/s640/IMG_0076.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-cookies-sugar-cookies-from.html" target="_blank">Holiday Sugar Cookies in cello bag, tied with twine and card </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIlowT2_a5Cb-kEZGhC_5o2y7G_ZAeJwSAbqrdFWoLT8IJLfIkzwqZjaMZ0ptoWbCMtSjgtsnNLuvT_QpnJMEJ3VOL85_hntGUKUTOAXQQmmKQE2w7P_54o_Ogvs-zMoGYgBmbCKyb-OD/s1600/IMG_9474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIlowT2_a5Cb-kEZGhC_5o2y7G_ZAeJwSAbqrdFWoLT8IJLfIkzwqZjaMZ0ptoWbCMtSjgtsnNLuvT_QpnJMEJ3VOL85_hntGUKUTOAXQQmmKQE2w7P_54o_Ogvs-zMoGYgBmbCKyb-OD/s640/IMG_9474.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chocolate Brownie Cupcake... yum!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Packaging Baked Goods in Your Kitchen - Creative & Resourceful Ideas

When I owned a catering company, I learned that it, indeed, is “all about presentation,” as they say.  I’ll never understand how someone ca...

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3 Ways to Help this Holiday | Giving & Helping | Charities to Support this Holiday

Over the years, I have tried to do give back in unique ways during the holidays.  I like to give in ways that bring surprise and delight to those that I'm helping - to somehow bring the magic of Christmas to someone that may have never experienced the wonderment and joy Christmas can bring.<br /><br />Each year I think of a new way to share the spirit of giving, but I always follow a couple of rules:<br /><br />- It must be anonymous.  I always give without attachment of my name - if I'm looking for credit, then it is not giving in the Christmas Spirit.  <br />- I must do it without reward.  This means that I don't even get to watch them experience the joy and surprise.  I know this might sound a little strange, but I believe that if I'm giving from a pure heart, the motivation should not be myself relishing in the reaction of the person receiving.  If I am giving to receive (in the form of joy), then it is a selfish act.  Also, if their reaction is not what I would've hoped, then I might be discouraged.<br />- I have to give up something, too.  It can be easy around Christmas time to spend, spend, spend and add up the damage in January.  When I donate, I consciously go without something I was planning to buy for myself of for someone else.  <br /><br />It can be easy to write a check, but I encourage you to think about the act and method of your giving more creatively this holiday season.  Be sure to give in a way that honors the Christmas Spirit of good will and wonderment!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnZ2DT73Ua7ZiArbYTEc1VJj_v0YHl6MhZB86-7rYE36nYFjsGAsCElUXhw49UwggJucBqjNlNocKTHeomfvZUscdv3z6mp3_7j8aR4-uXNi7tjL5W1ZkSu2BTJkWgIWbEU2Le-c3XMM/s1600/IMG_9722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnZ2DT73Ua7ZiArbYTEc1VJj_v0YHl6MhZB86-7rYE36nYFjsGAsCElUXhw49UwggJucBqjNlNocKTHeomfvZUscdv3z6mp3_7j8aR4-uXNi7tjL5W1ZkSu2BTJkWgIWbEU2Le-c3XMM/s400/IMG_9722.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>1. Shelter Santa<br /><br />Mike and I usually set a spending limit for our gifts - about $100 or so.  We do this because we don't 'need' anything and it forces us to be creative rather than go buy something luxurious.  Last year, I decided to spend the $100 for his gift on toys, books and clothes to give to a shelter.  On Christmas Eve morning (when we exchange), I surprised him with a huge "Santa" bag (you'd be surprised how far $100 goes in the toy department at Target) filled with wrapped gifts.  We dropped them off at a shelter for families on Christmas Eve on our way to church.  He loved that I gave him the gift of giving - I'm lucky to have a husband that "gets it."<br /><br />2. Surprise Santa<br /><br />A couple of years ago, I had set aside my $100 to donate or give at my whim during the holiday season.  I kept it in my wallet and waited for the perfect moment to bestow it somewhere or somehow.  Before I knew it it was Christmas Eve and I still had that $100 bill.  I thought, who would really need this tonight?  I went to a Dollar General Store at 5pm and walked the aisles until I saw the perfect candidate - she was dressed in a uniform from work and she was looking at books for children.  I had been watching her before and saw which car that she had arrived in.  So, I went outside and put an envelope with the $100 on her windshield and I left.  I didn't want to hand it to her in person, because I didn't want to embarrass her.  I didn't wait around to watch her find it.  I just wanted her to have it.  I love this method because she didn't find the money until after she had checked out so I knew that she had purchased whatever she could afford and the money would be an extra cushion for her - however she needed to use it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm2FJ4E5esMwJiOn_ZoMJ5pjTkDBpfJono7O_6CJp-zYFZoF4R0Kgoa3a2F13epBz934UQKV_7wsatS9W5wKRsNYzLYbeNz9N6955AM3aE2u94hjaQ2GgT-E8pZkmTZWVPdWt-EA1kM8/s1600/IMG_9474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgm2FJ4E5esMwJiOn_ZoMJ5pjTkDBpfJono7O_6CJp-zYFZoF4R0Kgoa3a2F13epBz934UQKV_7wsatS9W5wKRsNYzLYbeNz9N6955AM3aE2u94hjaQ2GgT-E8pZkmTZWVPdWt-EA1kM8/s400/IMG_9474.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>3. Holiday Baking Drop Off<br /><br />We all get joy from eating a beautiful Christmas sugar cookie or a festive cupcake.  There is something special about treating yourself to something beautiful that was handmade just for you.  While they might not be one of the basic food groups or at the top of the food pyramid, baked goods that are made with love can definitely have a huge impact on someone without much delight or love in their life.  One year Mike and I delivered 2 dozen beautiful cupcakes to a homeless man on the side of the road.   I know it seemed like a random gift to give someone without a home or proper clothing, but when he opened the box his face lit up.  As we drove away he yelled to us, "I LOVE CUPCAKES!" in the happiest tone.  Maybe those cupcakes brightened his day just a little.

3 Ways to Help this Holiday | Giving & Helping | Charities to Support this Holiday

Over the years, I have tried to do give back in unique ways during the holidays.  I like to give in ways that bring surprise and delight to ...

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Concord Christmas Tree Lighting | My Life | Concord, Ma | Holidays

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhPSCqWpOw1knFPWIVgfwX2LzsmsxD-yjjbZ7Gl7zBqaAQRm2q1sDWmq7HhzF_EyLW0lvZmwBDm-PcDJ8hw7b1Gg-_9y8Kl6HOz9VBqOqMJNDsv9aUZXE-WR5CNd4651isAgTIwJ2T6I/s1600/IMG_9581.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhPSCqWpOw1knFPWIVgfwX2LzsmsxD-yjjbZ7Gl7zBqaAQRm2q1sDWmq7HhzF_EyLW0lvZmwBDm-PcDJ8hw7b1Gg-_9y8Kl6HOz9VBqOqMJNDsv9aUZXE-WR5CNd4651isAgTIwJ2T6I/s640/IMG_9581.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusA51M3_5WGL7PyWmcDimgOawwbcBcBPAyqwdehHNdTn5VRG-Ya2PWGqqsGBj1frJjco_MT4k5_GPb18xlP6mXxveHDVpeTkPA3YxPsigJLTzK6e-IDs1oM5mRdiKVG82HVk2cHGkQnc/s1600/IMG_9592.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusA51M3_5WGL7PyWmcDimgOawwbcBcBPAyqwdehHNdTn5VRG-Ya2PWGqqsGBj1frJjco_MT4k5_GPb18xlP6mXxveHDVpeTkPA3YxPsigJLTzK6e-IDs1oM5mRdiKVG82HVk2cHGkQnc/s400/IMG_9592.jpg" width="266" /></a> Sometimes I have to pinch myself... do we really live in this perfect little idyllic town?  Does this quaint town really exist?  My latest 'pinch me' moment was when we walked downtown on a Sunday night for the Concord Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting.  </div><br />The little town center was filled with area families and children anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa to flip the switch and light the huge tree in the middle of town.<br /><br />Mr. Darcy (and Mike) were very excited.  D had to be carried most of the way... all of the kids running around and the general splendor was a little too much for him to handle at times.  The problem is that he thinks he is a kid, and when a group of them run by he likes to run after them... which is sometimes scary for the children.    <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDowBPX8qq51nSxYbGG8D9JfZOfw5TU84pOmu5YKKUijXx7ei0Z9Q-ogDjc6RHdDor2jv-6PaBeNSeCBzEWXw4o6Xqx_fo05ZxbvH2tWVo9AW9xk13WHVcZSJQVvkSxtpv1_PHi4vAXY/s1600/IMG_9571.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDowBPX8qq51nSxYbGG8D9JfZOfw5TU84pOmu5YKKUijXx7ei0Z9Q-ogDjc6RHdDor2jv-6PaBeNSeCBzEWXw4o6Xqx_fo05ZxbvH2tWVo9AW9xk13WHVcZSJQVvkSxtpv1_PHi4vAXY/s640/IMG_9571.jpg" width="425" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Toy Shop in Concord is amazing.  It is filled with classic toys and play things - a huge collection of wooden toys, baby dolls, instruments, infant toys, animals, train sets, etc.    </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSozBntdTVXSSDMXAt2GZBglL7X9rmdyMaTfd02RGjoYQOCa54X36IXK7VpYIIA3SaRBepE7JfxjZKXc-NFGeYWyJN9F_MQz2hVkcJiRYS5xUJ74YrviHloEIxe50gJ-PEbqpVGXu3mYg/s1600/IMG_9573.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSozBntdTVXSSDMXAt2GZBglL7X9rmdyMaTfd02RGjoYQOCa54X36IXK7VpYIIA3SaRBepE7JfxjZKXc-NFGeYWyJN9F_MQz2hVkcJiRYS5xUJ74YrviHloEIxe50gJ-PEbqpVGXu3mYg/s640/IMG_9573.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The main street was bustling before the parade began... everyone was looking for a great spot and getting hot cocoa. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiRtKlgTfxEN6s4se6WiF9UWUu719BGmr4uXcGsYlAyTfX70zdW70HJp6cGUlX0I5O0gRLH3bxZax0zRhs4m3FI3K6QcfvoNnrp8qvvVIuyF3-pXwTAOkEOJQkK10cRQDyOM4y1VKTow/s1600/IMG_9566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiRtKlgTfxEN6s4se6WiF9UWUu719BGmr4uXcGsYlAyTfX70zdW70HJp6cGUlX0I5O0gRLH3bxZax0zRhs4m3FI3K6QcfvoNnrp8qvvVIuyF3-pXwTAOkEOJQkK10cRQDyOM4y1VKTow/s640/IMG_9566.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Many of the local churches had groups of carolers singing Christmas songs - might have been my favorite part.  For those of you that know my family, we love a good sing-a-long... especially during the holidays. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebOf9OQnxkoqi9jqZZdAlNNECKYJmDjgCqg5m8l_zI-ptwvRZGCbWNLFAyDlqmnSFzeBXm9wbnqrhrRNO9XxANcbjBV8ZOl6G9QX9zlfhs3HY3pe6HzOrxwO8WycQhb8ikvgCECnnJ3k/s1600/IMG_9591.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispyhul1WPRREI0c4n5W_PfbFa_ltYdgEa3C0S_BPPzndqVsELhmUaT6P8d_LR-eaUPaG-iHa59NsYye5WHSyJRoIitWr0l-MNmW9RJSk6pRaYRJeThrHHS8q2bOrN9Hqlje4jkr76XE4/s1600/IMG_9575.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispyhul1WPRREI0c4n5W_PfbFa_ltYdgEa3C0S_BPPzndqVsELhmUaT6P8d_LR-eaUPaG-iHa59NsYye5WHSyJRoIitWr0l-MNmW9RJSk6pRaYRJeThrHHS8q2bOrN9Hqlje4jkr76XE4/s640/IMG_9575.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBscZp4NV7bI90hfKfw416vwrPHws0WFn2gRuFJO2e_A-LGy2PfP-T3rLNoNfMh2Ee0p-tBplkmlR33nBjwKfzxvOWszdn_-_dni4b5BqhMCh03idiT9LHxydEkAAGeYCuZsvM5FM0FM/s1600/IMG_9567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />Mr. enjoying the carols.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM82FY-rOuxZSdsS3dH6rAl-JpffMb0M7CY3g0EJ1eTjkIEiMVUB5QuyhBIpwccs0082CZtQqLXgsqjATcZpU7eM_hQQMtVpfh5WtbfR1PX_hdJEOjHlUAzTAIiymbUZuYfiTRlg333Q/s1600/IMG_9570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM82FY-rOuxZSdsS3dH6rAl-JpffMb0M7CY3g0EJ1eTjkIEiMVUB5QuyhBIpwccs0082CZtQqLXgsqjATcZpU7eM_hQQMtVpfh5WtbfR1PX_hdJEOjHlUAzTAIiymbUZuYfiTRlg333Q/s640/IMG_9570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Kids all lined up for Santa.  Look at the little girls in the elf hats!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLOMc2ln9i-UA4j4lJ086mQp2AJ4IIXUMpWIufiSqanKK3Ib5uG86eYiIRnrNb_hwP2vs0yLS79mh31vnvxXTimRArl4jQNkYVSqXEn67iZ4-nxa2IzlNO_LUhFxRVyv1QsQ3ucnnGAM/s1600/IMG_9574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLOMc2ln9i-UA4j4lJ086mQp2AJ4IIXUMpWIufiSqanKK3Ib5uG86eYiIRnrNb_hwP2vs0yLS79mh31vnvxXTimRArl4jQNkYVSqXEn67iZ4-nxa2IzlNO_LUhFxRVyv1QsQ3ucnnGAM/s640/IMG_9574.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />More groups singing. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebOf9OQnxkoqi9jqZZdAlNNECKYJmDjgCqg5m8l_zI-ptwvRZGCbWNLFAyDlqmnSFzeBXm9wbnqrhrRNO9XxANcbjBV8ZOl6G9QX9zlfhs3HY3pe6HzOrxwO8WycQhb8ikvgCECnnJ3k/s1600/IMG_9591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebOf9OQnxkoqi9jqZZdAlNNECKYJmDjgCqg5m8l_zI-ptwvRZGCbWNLFAyDlqmnSFzeBXm9wbnqrhrRNO9XxANcbjBV8ZOl6G9QX9zlfhs3HY3pe6HzOrxwO8WycQhb8ikvgCECnnJ3k/s640/IMG_9591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwEaKq0yS8twyJ-yDFV7Rhml77TmP_amK1xZgD4yPvv7lpJcnkvvjxMfZxYnrGe8mfNcyBOwQVwUeaYq4zcMDDAHBpggBU7yYSOh07mgmjCj1aCiLl_lgqx6svqm5EHSUdb7hjZ5f6Qc/s1600/IMG_9593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwEaKq0yS8twyJ-yDFV7Rhml77TmP_amK1xZgD4yPvv7lpJcnkvvjxMfZxYnrGe8mfNcyBOwQVwUeaYq4zcMDDAHBpggBU7yYSOh07mgmjCj1aCiLl_lgqx6svqm5EHSUdb7hjZ5f6Qc/s640/IMG_9593.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />A vintage car started off the parade. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BzlBnOxRFEvRMuTsmHo9A6sgh8X47zFQRkQLam5coBox_0JcMqJPAj60HsyUbAF1cWzijLOQiofx6SbEbHiP020FFk5M0b4d6mJ81L0Jo9Dxsm8KNtdAbx9UwdD6wMpeqMlHdJwnwqg/s1600/IMG_9594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BzlBnOxRFEvRMuTsmHo9A6sgh8X47zFQRkQLam5coBox_0JcMqJPAj60HsyUbAF1cWzijLOQiofx6SbEbHiP020FFk5M0b4d6mJ81L0Jo9Dxsm8KNtdAbx9UwdD6wMpeqMlHdJwnwqg/s640/IMG_9594.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Santa brought up the tail end on the back of a fire truck. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ7PRcD76knSGHm3-1Y2suA3TJf1Cc1ZKHph7-JXZMOlDIBgq0lXMk21rgTGVU-Pa5i0zF3KV2ABQWn63hyphenhyphenZvOLd-L-uFrqYM34YZS6vtro5fn0Entpv6aNEhjQcZYZnvBFS9E8MmdGo/s1600/IMG_9599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ7PRcD76knSGHm3-1Y2suA3TJf1Cc1ZKHph7-JXZMOlDIBgq0lXMk21rgTGVU-Pa5i0zF3KV2ABQWn63hyphenhyphenZvOLd-L-uFrqYM34YZS6vtro5fn0Entpv6aNEhjQcZYZnvBFS9E8MmdGo/s640/IMG_9599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGNIfwdwy3sQFCIIZGJxpVrR8P05VVhNQ8u-Vm5JGigNiWzJ9WF_UsZ8Zh71HVjvJ13rtzT-zBxfSpYIU00oCddyCfkwz6f9BnH2mJt3jFzo-hn1t7DVnSLdsS0FKJagrHtBYG1jck0w/s1600/IMG_9605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGNIfwdwy3sQFCIIZGJxpVrR8P05VVhNQ8u-Vm5JGigNiWzJ9WF_UsZ8Zh71HVjvJ13rtzT-zBxfSpYIU00oCddyCfkwz6f9BnH2mJt3jFzo-hn1t7DVnSLdsS0FKJagrHtBYG1jck0w/s640/IMG_9605.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />The big moment... lights! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CYDoUzyau_aX-pHX6PjdjKTYwkk2lsuxSzUAwdyAl5Z9Of62qV2ie-UoYrEXoyZpGUbAP6HOJe-aLI78Ohvq9hsJzX1p-UM1PQN6_zaKRKZYx_2UPtjN6QMSzipTey8PhEFCFIB0WVI/s1600/IMG_9608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CYDoUzyau_aX-pHX6PjdjKTYwkk2lsuxSzUAwdyAl5Z9Of62qV2ie-UoYrEXoyZpGUbAP6HOJe-aLI78Ohvq9hsJzX1p-UM1PQN6_zaKRKZYx_2UPtjN6QMSzipTey8PhEFCFIB0WVI/s640/IMG_9608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>

Concord Christmas Tree Lighting | My Life | Concord, Ma | Holidays

Sometimes I have to pinch myself... do we really live in this perfect little idyllic town?  Does this quaint town really exist?  My latest ...

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Holiday Table Setting | Centerpiece Ideas for Christmas Table

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_VmK2anBcOQ1JWXyKKdJq23vus31LHZH4DA_9BU1X-6XzgVGdXGWNwXyETVZIm2w7Qv0S7_1nu-TM2YyOUhGiI2WA_FgJay-KvC_9SvnntigwoyPtlSRmYnRBjM-__1jIEYaxcvp9vk/s1600/IMG_9982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWILFMV1N3Ey-TBD1kExjB5rvTOcYObH7lkRlY0lW-ZP2hr_TUeNMdYocSzhfT1tWw1Heuk1vvPz09_9TchjZQVps9NLdpR24e5s5x9P3LWoKUY85mzLIotl9q6UY60NmqUEqcdyMIFs/s1600/IMG_9995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWILFMV1N3Ey-TBD1kExjB5rvTOcYObH7lkRlY0lW-ZP2hr_TUeNMdYocSzhfT1tWw1Heuk1vvPz09_9TchjZQVps9NLdpR24e5s5x9P3LWoKUY85mzLIotl9q6UY60NmqUEqcdyMIFs/s640/IMG_9995.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_VmK2anBcOQ1JWXyKKdJq23vus31LHZH4DA_9BU1X-6XzgVGdXGWNwXyETVZIm2w7Qv0S7_1nu-TM2YyOUhGiI2WA_FgJay-KvC_9SvnntigwoyPtlSRmYnRBjM-__1jIEYaxcvp9vk/s1600/IMG_9982.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_VmK2anBcOQ1JWXyKKdJq23vus31LHZH4DA_9BU1X-6XzgVGdXGWNwXyETVZIm2w7Qv0S7_1nu-TM2YyOUhGiI2WA_FgJay-KvC_9SvnntigwoyPtlSRmYnRBjM-__1jIEYaxcvp9vk/s640/IMG_9982.jpg" width="426" /></a> <i>I'm re-sharing this post from last year - enjoy!  Later this week, I'll be sharing some photos from our holiday parties this year! </i><br /><br /><i>Cozy & Elegant</i><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Holiday Dinner Party </span><br /><i>Table Setting</i><br /><br />This year, I continued my "Handstitched Holiday" theme to my table setting.  As I mentioned, I have never before officially had a 'theme' for decoration for Christmas... this just sort of happened, but I like it.  It makes every decorating, wrapping, baking and table setting project so easy.  <br /><br />I like this long brambling 'centerpiece' that runs the entire length of the table versus just one centerpiece element in the, well... center.  To achieve this look, I placed sprigs of cedar to create a swag look.  Next, I placed two boxwood topiaries (that used to live on my mantle...) and dressed them up with a red and natural striped ribbon.  Finally, I tucked in various shapes and sizes of chunky white pillar candles.  <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2cYGR-tjWHvQskBo_QM3ohW4rZtdqX3zLIn1UHxD_b9XJpcztNAz614SY1AjE7n4tNPYqlFw9Qn8zk4LtudxU4Zh05q-bKWMZq3-ZA2UUllMV-2rCBlKihkyWhuum9O12ruapacZXLM/s1600/IMG_9988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2cYGR-tjWHvQskBo_QM3ohW4rZtdqX3zLIn1UHxD_b9XJpcztNAz614SY1AjE7n4tNPYqlFw9Qn8zk4LtudxU4Zh05q-bKWMZq3-ZA2UUllMV-2rCBlKihkyWhuum9O12ruapacZXLM/s640/IMG_9988.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The table is set with my Spode brown and ivory china dinner plates, white hemstitch linen napkins, country wine and water glasses, and pewter flatware.  I wrapped the napkin in jute upholstery webbing - you can find it in craft stores in the upholstery section.  On top of each napkin I placed a gingerbread candy cane cookie.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWILFMV1N3Ey-TBD1kExjB5rvTOcYObH7lkRlY0lW-ZP2hr_TUeNMdYocSzhfT1tWw1Heuk1vvPz09_9TchjZQVps9NLdpR24e5s5x9P3LWoKUY85mzLIotl9q6UY60NmqUEqcdyMIFs/s1600/IMG_9995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhib61E4XE6EeHJlZ-ox6pCaWVRtzafkYItTgdN15RBDyAomCzrbto0ieZrp66hnH5VVVqY92_clw8ctLSoxrLky8f-uD834iiNfHxRTjS5txmXG51FplrHSINePM0mVwdyvHpxPWtNWqo/s1600/IMG_9996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhib61E4XE6EeHJlZ-ox6pCaWVRtzafkYItTgdN15RBDyAomCzrbto0ieZrp66hnH5VVVqY92_clw8ctLSoxrLky8f-uD834iiNfHxRTjS5txmXG51FplrHSINePM0mVwdyvHpxPWtNWqo/s640/IMG_9996.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><br />Here is a close up of the topiary - it is fake... cake you tell?  It is the only fake thing in my entire house, but I really like them so I don't care!  They're my rules, I'll break them if I want to.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkY1RDabc_6TOEcC0VhLBNUlTtKabMHqXQ23ZYld10kYep4EdhXSiClocPh89nirYp99cbP52ozKnSugRjBvJTVqIZdFSRot0HcilTgJKbUIcrUAMuVj9HWjh2VboP4LsYiRYMj-_hcs/s1600/IMG_9997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkY1RDabc_6TOEcC0VhLBNUlTtKabMHqXQ23ZYld10kYep4EdhXSiClocPh89nirYp99cbP52ozKnSugRjBvJTVqIZdFSRot0HcilTgJKbUIcrUAMuVj9HWjh2VboP4LsYiRYMj-_hcs/s640/IMG_9997.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I love this cedar greenery - the little yellow tips add a great dimension and texture. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeWypCDHDQn4clq_YBATxhbBNKfVRfARuZ2PmeWGkKoBEpSVd7F5BPF-LoojyX6NZz9AcnmaMqbSAzkMPSLzx8lTE61hdPf5N8aPB74oYcjCp3dpADOj1-9SZLr3pzx9tvxQ15h7Oq5s/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeWypCDHDQn4clq_YBATxhbBNKfVRfARuZ2PmeWGkKoBEpSVd7F5BPF-LoojyX6NZz9AcnmaMqbSAzkMPSLzx8lTE61hdPf5N8aPB74oYcjCp3dpADOj1-9SZLr3pzx9tvxQ15h7Oq5s/s640/IMG_0007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>

Holiday Table Setting | Centerpiece Ideas for Christmas Table

I'm re-sharing this post from last year - enjoy!  Later this week, I'll be sharing some photos from our holiday parties this year! ...

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